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Author Topic: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?  (Read 6711 times)

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Offline Hood

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Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #10 on: May 14, 2014, 04:17:06 PM »
You should be able to just connect up, as you say, and get the readings.
Readings from an encoder using the parallel port will be limited in that the frequency expected will likely be 25KHz or less. From what you say however that should not be an issue as you are not seeing any movement at all.
Few things that could come into play are
Wrong setup (wrong count or pin assignment etc.
Breakout board not capable of passing the signals for some reason.
Wiring wrong or faulty.
Signal type of encoder incompatible.

Hood

Offline B3030

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Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #11 on: May 14, 2014, 06:28:13 PM »
Hood,

See attached .xml

I will check the parallel port cable continuity.

B3030

Offline Hood

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Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #12 on: May 14, 2014, 06:42:32 PM »
Ok quick look at your xml and it seems fine. One thing however is you have a non standard screenset. I dont have that screenset so cant check but if you open it in one of the screen designers you can check the DROs for the encoders are the correct oem codes.
Hood

Offline B3030

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Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #13 on: May 15, 2014, 07:26:33 AM »
I haven't gotten to the parallel port cable check yet but I will.  All other functions work but it still could have a  break.

I was finally able to get the VEX encoder working by slaving it into the BOB.  I verified the pulses on the DIAGNOSTICS screen, and saw the Encoder Position DROs respond accordingly on the SETTINGS screen.  So Mach3 seems to work correct. The problem must lie in the BOB, wiring or Sherline encoders. 

I appreciate all of the replies and comments.  It's always good to have those outside opinions to challange your own assumtions when you're knee-deep in troubleshooting a problem.

B3030

Offline B3030

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Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2014, 07:42:18 AM »
Just as a follow-up...
I installed CUI AMT102 encoders ($23 each) and they worked great from the first time I powered up the system (long back-order from Digikey but they now have 300 in stock).  With 5mm/rev leadscrews, I set the encoders to 125 pulses/rev to get a quadrature resolution of 500 pulese/rev.  That should give me .01mm resolution at the encoder.  Sure enough, one revolution of the leadscrew via a handwheel on the stepper, caused a 5mm movement of the DRO.

Those CUI encoders come with two different mounts with many mounting hole patterns.  I didn't want to drill/tap holes into my steppers (didn't know how far I could go and didn't want to take them apart) so I used an industrial double-dided tape.  Cleaned both sides carefully with laquer thinner.  I emailed CUI support and they said that would be an acceptable solution.  So far, so good.  I like having the option to go "manual" on my mill for when I just need to do a quick job that doesn't require CNC(ontrol).

B3030
Re: Encoder Input configuration...what am I missing?
« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2014, 07:52:27 AM »
Good job! :)

Thanks for posting your solution.
Happy endings are always nice.

Regards,
Russ
 8)